Magnus Flagge and Refused Return With First Album in 17 Years

Twice, it seemed that it was all over for Refused. The Swedish hardcore band originally broke up following the release of their excellent 1998 album The Shape of Punk to Come. Then, after their 2012 reunion tour, they announced that it was decisively over.

But after all that, earlier this year, Refused announced a world tour. And now, they're putting out a new album. "Refused Are Fucking Alive", they have announced in a new press release. The new album, Freedom, is out June 30 via Epitaph.

The album was produced by Nick Launay (Arcade Fire, Kate Bush, Nick Cave). "Elektra" and "366" were produced and co-written by Shellback, the Swedish pop superproducer who has worked on countless massive hits by Taylor Swift, Britney Spears, Pink, and others. Freedom will get a limited edition CD release featuring a 28-page hardbound book with a poster and gold foil stamping on the album cover.

"It’s not a reunion anymore," said frontman Dennis Lyxzén in a statement. "This is one of the most radical things we’ve ever done, both musically and lyrically."

"Nobody wanted us to fuck with the image of the band who makes a great album and splits up," said drummer David Sandström. "Nobody wanted us to dilute it. That actually provoked us."

Refused are heading out on tour this year, as well, including dates with Faith No More. Find their schedule below.